After confirming that Huo Zhengyuan had not lost his fighting spirit and had no rift with him, the conversation ended quickly.
When Huo Zhengyuan left the room, he felt quite complicated.
During this conversation, the three pieces of information Huo Zhengyuan reported to Zhao Junchen were not processed in a timely manner, and Zhao Junchen's answers were all to wait for the opportunity.
Huo Zhengyuan completely agreed with Zhao Junchen's choice.
The key to whether something can succeed is not whether its starting point is just, but whether the time to do it is right.
For politicians, they would rather choose the right time to do a wrong thing than choose a wrong time to do the right thing. The former is to be promoted and prosperous, while the latter is to be in the abyss and be ruined.
The reason why Huo Zhengyuan had complicated emotions was because he felt the drastic changes in some of Zhao Junchen's ideas.
This change made Huo Zhengyuan both frightened and confused.
The reason for fear was that Huo Zhengyuan could not figure out what Zhao Junchen's change meant to the temple, the "Zhao Party", and even himself.
After the collapse of the "Yellow Party", Huo Zhengyuan switched to Zhao Junchen almost without hesitation because he saw through Zhao Junchen's seemingly greedy and unscrupulous appearance, but still retained a trace of bottom line and compassion. This kind of
The bottom line and compassion made Huo Zhengyuan feel deeply at ease.
But now, this bottom line and compassion seem to have disappeared.
The reason for confusion was that Huo Zhengyuan couldn't figure out why Zhao Junchen had such a significant change.
Huo Zhengyuan's own temperament changed because he was threatened by his life and was forced to panic, but what about Zhao Junchen? What stimulation did Zhao Junchen receive?
Huo Zhengyuan vaguely felt that this answer was crucial to himself, to "Zhao Party", and even to the Ming Dynasty.
*
On the other side, after Huo Zhengyuan left the room, Zhao Junchen's physical and mental fatigue had reached the limit, so he stopped thinking about the intrigues and fights for power and fell asleep after washing up a little.
That night, Zhao Junchen had a very good sleep quality. Although the corruption of the situation in Nanjing had not yet been reversed, after removing some of the shackles of self-restraint, Zhao Junchen felt relaxed.
At the same time, although the news of Zhao Junchen's arrival in Nanjing had spread throughout Nanjing's top management, it was probably the tough attitude shown by Zhao Junchen that successfully frightened most of the Xiaoxiao family, so no one dared to come to Jiangdong Building to disturb Zhao that night.
Junchen, even though Zhao Junchen sent people to rob the cell of Yingtian Mansion, kidnap the officials, and beat up the government servants, there was still no response and they just pretended that this incident had not happened.
Just like that, there was no talking all night, and the time soon came to the next morning.
As the sky turned white, Zhao Junchen quickly launched his counterattack against Zhou Shangjing.
Qian Lai, the Nanjing manager of "United Shipping Company", stayed up all night and finally succeeded in convincing those franchise merchants of "United Shipping Company".
When the sky lit up, Qian Lai didn't bother to rest. He immediately left Jiangdong Tower with dozens of merchants under the protection of Zhaofu's nursing home. He rushed to Nanjing to guard the eunuch's house and asked to see Nanjing.
The guarding eunuch Xi Cheng.
Because of all the changes that happened in Zhanyuan, Xi Cheng had been tossing and turning last night and had trouble sleeping.
As an eunuch of the inner court, Xicheng's power came directly from Emperor Deqing, so when he saw Li Yong, the Qianhu of Jin Yiwei, carrying out Emperor Deqing's imperial edict without warning, he was immediately frightened.
Obviously, Emperor Deqing has been distractedly watching the situation in Nanjing. He may have discovered the secret relationship between Xi Cheng and the seventh prince Zhu Hejian. Moreover, Emperor Deqing bypassed the major yamen of the inner court and the Nanjing garrison eunuch and directly
The secret order that was enough to determine the situation was handed over to a seemingly inconspicuous Jinyiwei Qianhu. This incident itself illustrates Emperor Deqing's distrust of Xicheng.
After thinking about this, Xicheng was naturally frightened and restless.
Under such circumstances, after hearing the news that the merchants from the "United Shipping Company" collectively requested to see him, Xi Cheng was naturally in no mood to pay attention.
Speaking of which, Qian Lai was not only the Nanjing boss of "United Shipping Company", he was also Xi Cheng's white glove, giving 30% of his business income to Xi Cheng every year. It was precisely because of Xi Cheng's full protection that
Qian Lai will quickly become one of the richest men in Nanjing.
However, when the situation in Nanjing changed drastically some time ago, Qian Lai actually sided completely with the "Zhao Party" and the "United Shipping Company". Many of his actions seriously damaged the interests of Zhu Hejian and Xicheng.
There is no doubt that this is a serious betrayal.
If the situation in Nanjing hadn't changed so quickly that Xi Cheng had been distracted, he would have been looking for an opportunity to avenge Qian Lai's betrayal.
Because of such a relationship, Xi Chengcheng was even more reluctant to meet with Qian Lai and other "United Shipping Company" franchise merchants.
In the main hall of the Nanjing Guard Eunuch's Mansion, just when Xi Cheng was about to directly refuse to meet Qian Lai and others, his staff Guo Sizong walked into the hall quickly and asked quickly: "Master Guard, I heard that Qian Lai
Lai and a group of merchants who are franchisees of the United Shipping Company are asking to see you? The student also knows that you are not in the mood to pay attention to them now, but he still wants to advise you that it is best to meet them and take the opportunity to explore the situation."
Xicheng snorted coldly and asked, "What? Qian Lai gave you some money?"
Xi Chengwen has been in charge of the eunuch job in Nanjing for nearly ten years. During his time in Nanjing, he did not fall behind when confronting major interest groups. Naturally, he is not an easy master to fool.
Guo Sizong pinched the few banknotes he had just received in his sleeves, and said with a smile: "It's money... naturally I took some, but the student is willing to accept Qian Lai's tribute, mainly as a favor, even if he is
Even if you don't give money to the students, the students will persuade you to see him! You should also have received the news. After that Zhao Gechen arrived in Nanjing yesterday, he immediately sent people to rob the Yingtian Mansion Prison and took all the franchised merchants of the "United Shipping Company"
They were rescued, and after these merchants were rescued by Zhao Gechen, they came to our garrison to ask for a meeting early this morning. This matter must be under the instruction of Zhao Gechen..."
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! Xi Cheng raised his eyebrows and said dissatisfied: "What on earth is this Zhao Junchen doing! Is there something that cannot be discussed with our family face to face! We just can't stand these former ministers.
He always does things in roundabout ways!... Well, since he is a cabinet minister, we should give him some face and pay him to summon them to see us!"
Following Xicheng's instructions, Qian Lai quickly led many merchants into the main hall of the Nanjing Guarding Eunuch's Mansion.
After entering the main hall, Qian Lai and the merchants knelt in front of Xi Cheng, all shouting that they were guilty.
Seeing the merchants pleading guilty to him, Xicheng sneered: "Hey, isn't this the big shopkeeper Qian Laiqian? Ever since you became a big tree in the 'United Shipping Company', you have gradually stopped letting our family go."
You've seen it, why are you kneeling in front of our family now to plead guilty? But I don't know what your crime is? Is it driving up prices and hoarding? Or is it betrayal of the old master and ungratefulness?"
Of course Qian Lai understood Xicheng's sarcasm, but he was well prepared and answered in a sob: "Xiao Min's crimes are too numerous to describe in words! Yesterday evening, after Zhao Gechen summoned Xiao Min, he also slapped Xiao Min on his head and gave him a painful beating.
The scolding directly pointed out all the serious mistakes of Xiaomin, making Xiaomin extremely ashamed and ashamed! At this moment, Xiaomin had deeply realized his mistakes, so he rushed to the guarding eunuch's house and apologized to Xi Zhenshou in person!
"
Xicheng glanced at Qian Lai who was kneeling at his feet and asked, "Oh? Then how are you going to apologize?"
After Qian Lai's expression changed for a moment, he finally gritted his teeth and replied in a trembling voice: "I hope Governor Xi knows that after Xiaomin and his colleagues from the United Shipping Company deeply realized their culpability, they have reached a consensus... in order to
In order to atone for our sins to the imperial court and the people of Nanjing, we voluntarily gave up all our properties, and also voluntarily handed over all these properties to the Nanjing Guarding Eunuch Mansion! You are the Nanjing Guarding Eunuch, sitting in Nanjing on behalf of His Majesty, and your position is the most just, so Xiaomin and others are also
I firmly believe that after handing over these industries to you, you will be able to make proper use of these industries to suppress prices in Nanjing in the shortest possible time and quell the complaints of the people! Only in this way can the culpability of Xiaomin and others be slightly alleviated!"
As Qian Lai finished speaking, the "United Shipping Company" franchise merchants behind him also expressed the same attitude, all saying that they voluntarily handed over their properties to the Nanjing Guarding Eunuch Mansion to take over.
After hearing such statements from the merchants, Xi Cheng was first surprised, then happy, and finally furious!
He was surprised because the merchants' statements were completely beyond his expectations, and he was happy because he easily gained a huge amount of wealth.
But Xicheng is a smart man. After the initial surprise, he quickly regained his composure and quickly realized the true intentions of Qian Lai and others.
Ever since the Seventh Prince Zhu Hejian ordered to severely punish profiteers, the properties of many franchised merchants of the "United Shipping Company" have been seized one after another. Then, under the operation of Zhou Shangjing, all these properties have fallen into the hands of the Jiangnan Jingentry Group.
Under such circumstances, the franchise merchants of "United Shipping Company" could no longer control their properties. They said they wanted to give their properties to the Nanjing Guarding Eunuch Mansion, but in fact they were just talking nonsense. If Xi Cheng really wanted to take over these properties,
, we must seize the food from the tiger's mouth and compete with the Jinshen Group in a face-to-face manner.
Therefore, this is clearly a plan to drive away the wolf and devour the tiger!
These merchants of the "United Shipping Company" and Zhao Junchen behind these merchants just wanted to provoke a conflict between the inner court forces and the Jin gentry forces, so that they themselves could benefit.
After thinking about this, Xi Cheng laughed angrily: "Your attitude is what Zhao Gechen means, right? Haha, I have long heard that Zhao Gechen is resourceful and clever, but now looking at it, this Zhao Gechen is smart.
Yes, but the method... is a bit too straightforward! Or, Zhao Gechen actually underestimated our family so much, thinking that our family is just a short-sighted person, and he couldn't understand even this method of sowing discord and killing people with a borrowed knife.
?”
Qian Lai was still humble and did not have any rebuttal. He just explained: "Zhao Gechen has no intention of inviting a banquet to guard Mingjian! In fact, Zhao Gechen does not intend to let the guarding eunuch's house end in person and compete with the gentry for those 'United Shipping Houses'"
's property, he will take the lead in clearing out the property, taking back the property of 'United Shipping Company' from the hands of the gentry, and then hand over these properties to Xi Zhenshou to take over."
Xi Cheng was slightly startled and asked: "You mean... Zhao Gechen can take back the 'United Shipbuilding' industry from the gentry without our family having to face the consequences personally? And after he takes back these industries, he will not take them away."
Return it to you, but hand it all over to our family?"
"That's right!" Qian Lai nodded repeatedly: "It's just..."
"Just what? Hey! Our family knows that things can't be that simple! Let's start with the ugly words. If it is too difficult, our family will definitely not be grateful! The properties of the 'United Shipping Company' are certainly a big fat piece of meat.
, but our family is also worried that we will suffer from indigestion after swallowing it!"
Qian Lai smiled cautiously and said: "It's just a small matter. I will never put Xi Zhenshou in a dilemma! What Zhao Gechen means is that he hopes that you can come forward to persuade His Highness the Seventh Prince to cooperate with the United Shipping Company."
Issuing an announcement to amend certain articles of association of 'United Shipping Lines' when operating in Nanjing!
His Highness the Seventh Prince currently controls the military and government of Nanjing on behalf of the imperial court, and Xiaomin has not yet been formally convicted by the government. In name, he is still the head of Nanjing's "United Shipping Company". As long as His Highness the Seventh Prince and Xiaomin jointly issue an announcement, plus Zhao Gechen's
The endorsement is enough to modify some of the rules of 'United Shipping Company' in Nanjing, and no one can find fault with it!"
Xicheng frowned and asked, "Oh? How does Zhao Gechen want to amend the articles of association of the United Shipping Company?"
Qian Lai immediately replied: "To put it bluntly, there is only one regulation! In view of the fact that since the ban and martial law were lifted in Nanjing, merchants have taken advantage of the shortage of people's daily necessities to hoard and drive up prices. He believes that this evil behavior must be carried out
Severe punishment will not be tolerated, so I want to add a new rule to the charter of the 'United Shipping Company' - starting from the day when martial law is lifted in Nanjing City, all relevant merchants who violate the imperial decrees will be expelled from the 'United Shipping Company'
, and you will be prohibited from doing any business with the United Shipping Company within three years!"
After hearing this, Xicheng was shocked again.
Once this rule is established, the "United Shipping Company" franchise merchants headed by Qian Lai in Nanjing will inevitably bear the brunt and be the first to be expelled from the "United Shipping Company" because of their behavior of driving up prices and hoarding!
Zhao Junchen's approach is simply cutting off his own resources, and there is no benefit at all!
For a time, Xicheng could no longer figure out Zhao Junchen's true thoughts.
But vaguely, Xicheng had a hunch that Zhao Junchen was most likely plotting against him!
Otherwise, how can there be such a good thing like pie in the sky in this world?
Thinking of this, Xicheng hesitated and said: "Let us think about this matter again!"
Seeing that Xi Cheng did not agree immediately, Qian Lai, who seemed humble, suddenly hardened his attitude and said: "I hope Xi Zhengshou knows something! Since we merchants have deeply understood our mistakes and crimes, we all
I am eager to atone for my sins, and now I just want to suppress the price of goods in Nanjing as soon as possible and calm the grievances of the people in Nanjing. Therefore... If you, Xi Zhenshou, are not willing to help us atone for our sins, then we can only turn around and seek the support of your nobles! Hmm
...With the prestige of the Xu family and the support of many nobles in Nanjing, they must be able to suppress prices and stabilize people's sentiments in the shortest possible time after taking over all the businesses of the United Shipping Company.
!”
After saying that, Qian Lai was about to leave with a group of merchants.
"Wait a minute!" Seeing that Qian Lai and others were about to leave, and the wealth they were about to receive was about to leave him, Xi Cheng finally couldn't hold back the greed in his heart, and subconsciously spoke out to persuade him to stay: "That's all, if not
If we need to fight with the gentry in person, we just need to persuade His Highness the Seventh Prince to issue a proclamation... But in this case, our family is willing to agree to it!"
As he spoke, Xicheng thought secretly: "Our family is not deeply involved in this matter, and we don't need to pay any price worth mentioning, but the benefits are astonishing, so... there shouldn't be any surprises, right?